Idioms – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted idiom. Sentence: The robber took to his heels when the police arrived.

Introduction / Context:
“Take to one’s heels” is a vivid idiom meaning to run away quickly, usually because of fear or pursuit. In crime reports or narratives, it typically signals flight upon seeing the authorities, rather than any attempt to fight or hide effectively.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Event trigger: police arrival.
• Subject: robber seeking escape.
• We need the paraphrase that captures swift flight.

Concept / Approach:
Among common responses to danger—fight, flight, freeze, or hide—this idiom clearly maps to “flight.” The heel imagery emphasizes speed. Therefore, the answer must reflect running away, not attacking, hiding, or surrendering.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize idiom: take to his heels = run off.Eliminate actions inconsistent with immediate escape (opened fire, surrendered).Differentiate from “hid himself,” which suggests staying put.Select “ran off.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The robber ran off when the police arrived.” This maintains narrative logic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• opened fire: opposite of flight (fight response).
• hid himself: implies concealment, not rapid exit.
• surrendered: compliance, not escape.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “heels” implies stumbling or falling; the idiom universally signals running away quickly.

Final Answer:
ran off